On the private house of Volkswagen-Boss Herbert Diess (62) a paint attack was carried out in Munich. Unknown perpetrators had written “Expropriate” in red on the entrance door, a spokesman for the car manufacturer confirmed. The graffiti were immediately removed. The company condemned the attack. The online magazine “Business Insider” also reported that the perpetrators had left a letter in which Diess was described as a “representative of German auto capital”. Diess had filed a criminal complaint with the Munich police for property damage.
The auto show is currently taking place in Munich IAA Mobility instead. The opening of the fair on Tuesday was accompanied by massive protests by environmental activists. IAA opponents abseiled off the autobahn, causing traffic chaos. You accuse the auto industry of merely paying lip service to climate protection. In a statement by an alliance of climate activists that was circulated on Friday, it said: “The IAA and the auto industry stand for an economic system in which profits take precedence over the preservation of our natural livelihood.”
Also on Friday there were clashes in Munich on the sidelines of a rally by climate protection activists. A police spokesman said about 100 demonstrators tried to break through a cordon at Theresienwiese in the morning. Batons and pepper spray were also used to prevent this from happening.
Diess has repeatedly faced discussions with environmentalists. On the sidelines of a group event before the IAA, he discussed with representatives of the environmental organization Greenpeace. He highlighted Volkswagen’s investments in electromobility and called the lawsuit by environmental associations against the German carmaker unjustified. In a conversation with Reuters and the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” on the sidelines of the fair, the CEO said: “From my point of view, it makes no sense that we are the focus of the protests.” Those who made a profit from oil extraction and incineration should be prosecuted. The auto industry is making great efforts to reduce CO2 emissions.
In the face of several protests against the group in recent weeks, Volkswagen had declared that it was open to criticism and discussions about the right way to protect the climate and resources, as well as safeguarding workers’ rights in global supply chains. Damage and violence, however, should not be a means of dispute. The Munich police initially gave no information about the circumstances of the incident at Diess’ house.